Stay at home mom depression

I've been staying home with my daughter the past 6months. This is the l first time I've never had a job. Don't get me wrong, I love staying at home and being the one to raise her. And I'm blessed I'm able to do so. But sometimes it's isolating. I feel like my days are on repeat. It's the same thing over and over. All I do is tend to her, cook, and clean. And I know that's my "job" but it's very lonely when your only contact is with a 6months old who can't talk. Does anyone else feel like this? I feel so guilty because of it!! I almost feel like a job gives you some sort of break. I also hate I'm not financially contributing.

Comments (25)

I'm feeling very similar. Now that our older kids are back at school the days are so lonely again. I promise it gets better. Once they can interact a little more and are walking and talking it's so much fun. I love the toddler years. I usually get together for coffee at least once a week with some friends. That keeps me sane. You are definitely not alone.

I was on maternity leave for 4 months and it was so great to return to work even just part time. FIND A MOMS GROUP! It seriously helped so so much. The depression was too hard and the group made it a lot easier. Ultimately I chose to go back to work but you can totally find fulfilling things to do at home.

Being a stay at home mom doesn't mean you have to stay at home. I am a very shy person and hate going outside, but I forced myself with my first. Going to the park or library, I found moms that are happy to talk and some to even form playdates. It got better once my DD (dear daughter) was old enough to want to play with other children as it pushes me to be more social.

I make sure to get out of the house everyday. After his first nap we get ready and I do any errands for the day and if I have nothing we go to a park. Days that are too hot or rainy I feel crazy cooped up in the house. On those days I just try to keep busy, do some cleaning with LO (little one) in his baby carrier or find projects. Just gotta avoid just watching tv or playing with baby all day cause that can drive anyone crazy!

Oh man I felt the same as you on my 4 month maternity leave! I don’t have any advice on making it better because I never figured that one out! I’m back at work on a lighter schedule and have found a better balance. It works for me better. It’s so nice to have a break and switch gears, be productive in a different way and contribute financially. LO (little one) has been great at daycare. Have you considered going back?

It can get so tiring. Some days when my husband gets home I can’t wait to just go to Walmart by myself! I dont care if it’s for a pack of gum! 🤣 I have a few good friends who stay home as well, so that breaks up my days sometimes. The library/Park is a good option, too!

I am on a 12 month maternity leave, and totally understand the isolation feeling.

I try to leave the house once a day, when if it's just to go to the grocery store. Also look into baby programs (library, community center, drop in centers, etc). They help to kill time and there will be other moms there to give you that adult interaction for short amount of time. I try to do at least one of these a week, especially as the weather gets colder and getting outside becomes less of an option.

So go out! I go somewhere everyday with my LO. We went hiking on Sunday, went to a bewery Monday, went and walked in the park Tuesday, more hiking Wednesday. Also our town has a pool and sometimes I’ll take her there or go to the lake and sit on the “beach”. I am hardly ever home actually and I’m a SAHM.

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